When you ride with a passenger whould the rear shock be stiffened?  Other than increased tire pressure is there anything else that needs to be done? My passenger weighs around 160# if that helps at all.  Passenger riding is new to me so any other tips and strategies would help as well.  Thanks in advance.

Andrew

be gentle. and keep the rubber side down.

You don't have to stiffen the suspension but the bike will handle better if you do.  I'm guessing the 160 refers to their weight, not their age?  :lol:
When riding with a pillion, remember everything takes longer- acceleration is slower so overtaking distances are increased; braking takes longer so increase the distance between you and the car in front, also if you are pushing hard the extra weight will heat the brakes up faster and make them fade more easily.  Fuel economy will suffer so watch your distances between fuel stops if on a trip.  You already picked up on the tyre pressures- the front can stay the same (33psi) but increase the rear from 36 to 41psi.
If your pillion is not used to riding they can often be a real hazard themselves, so some advice to them on what to do will help.  Unless they are an experienced pillion or a rider themselves, advise them to stay with the bike, that is to lean with it only as far as it does.  Otherwise their tendency is to lean out on corners and this will really p*ss you off as well as being dangerous.
Two-up riding can be a lot of fun and allows you to share your hobby with a loved one.  Just take the simple precautions as above.

I have the rear shock set to #4 both solo, and with passenger, the bike didn't seem to mind. In fact I was very suprised at how well the GS500 handling 2-up riding, I barely notice my girlfriend on the back.

As far as 2-up riding tips go, pick up a copy of "Proficient motorcycling" by David Hough. It has some of the best riding tips for both solo, and 2-up riding.

In a nutshell though. Ride smooth. Both acceleration, and braking should extra slow and smooth, untill the passenger is comfortable on the bike. Rember that stopping distances are increased with the extra weight. It's important that the passenger relaxes. They shouldn't tense up or resist the turns. They should either by neutral and limp, or lean slightly with you into turn. If you scare the passenger they will stiffen up, and adversly affect handling. Not to mention they probably won't want to ride with you again. You can get more aggressive with a pillion, just ensure that the person is comfortable with that first. The first 10-12 rides should be fairly easy, and short trips.

-Nathan

thanks for the info guys.  I really have to be careful with her.  Her brother died on a harley when a car pulled out infront of him.  He wasn't speeding but the car came and crossed a 4lane h-way and cut him off.  So a firmer suspension should help as well? Thanks

Andrew

Ride smooth, that's the key. Make sure the passenger knows the drill, you don't want them to fight the lean nor lean too much, get them to stay stuck to you. Make sure they move with you when accelerating and braking otherwise you will get a headache from clicking-helmet syndrome.

Two things easily forgotten that MAY need attention are, chain tension may need to be eased and headlight position may be affected by weight distribution, both simple to adjust if you have to.